Statement of Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson on State Department’s Genocide Declaration

Following Secretary of State John Kerry’s finding of genocide being committed by ISIS against Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson released this statement:

Today's announcement by Secretary of State John Kerry is correct and truly historic. For one of the few times in our history, the United States has designated an ongoing situation as genocide, and the State Department is to be commended for having the courage to say so. By joining its voice to that of the House of Representatives, the American people, and the international community, the United States today makes clear to ISIS that its attempt to stamp out religious minorities must cease. The United States and the world are united on this, and simply will not look the other way. The Knights of Columbus is pleased to have been able to work with the State Department in providing a nearly 300-page report filled with compelling evidence that genocide was occurring against Christians as well as other religious minorities. We thank Secretary Kerry for seriously considering the evidence, and commend the State Department staff for working closely with us in this endeavor.

Following this declaration, America must continue to focus on those being killed in this genocide, and our country, and the international community, must make sure the slaughter ends and that these innocent people are protected. There is much work still to be done, but this represents an important step forward.